I sent in three poems in response to the Ekphrastic Challenge, this painting by Ismael Nery. None was published, but please take a look at the chosen pieces. Kerfe has a poem that is instantly recognisable as hers.
Marching
In the dark
in the light
the men march
faces forward
or profiled in moonlight
all the same
and I feel the cold
of open graves
when they pass
hoping they won’t see
the slight form in the shadows
that is me
hoping the blank stare
that offers no hope
no justice no pity
will find another.
I’ll look away
half-life better than none.
These days
this war
there are no heroes
not anymore.
Jane Dougherty Writes 
I’ve been so busy that I haven’t looked at Ekphrastic Review lately. I like this image, and your poem. It is kind of chilling that half life and war. I think this image can be viewed in so many different ways.
I liked this image too. It looks sinister to me but I think the idea was supposed to be inclusive, that kind of thing.
It seems to change the more you look at it! 😀
Onto the next one now.
I’ll have to take a look. . .
It’s like Ophelia being attacked by a Harpie, but I don’t think that’s the intention. Can’t remember the title.
Oh no! Now, I’ll have that in my head! 🤣
Maybe it won’t look like that to you…but maybe it will 🙂
😀
Oh, and you’re right–instantly recognizable from the title on as Kerfe’s. 😀
There are a couple of others in there that I like, but the rest, not so much, and of them all, Kerfe’s is my favourite.
That’s usually the case. 😀
Ha! Yes 🙂
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I like the response to the painting too, Jane! Maybe they wanted the participants to have a closer look on the title of the painting, “nos”. But here is no note given. xx Michael
I think you’re right. I’m not sure I even noticed the title. It’s supposed to be an ekphrastic prompt, so I’m not sure what the story behind the painting has to do with it. I went divisive instead of inclusive 🙂
The ambiguities of war is just right for this image. The short lines and verses give it just the right rhythm too.
I’ve given up trying to figure out the selection process for anything I submit…(K)
I’m glad you think so. I didn’t get the ‘Us’ aspect. Didn’t notice the title, so maybe I just got the wrong end of the stick.
I often don’t notice it, nor do I look up the artist. But the title struck me, maybe because of it brevity.
It might have changed my perspective if I’d had a different idea of what the artist intended.